Space Birthday Party

Instructions:

A space birthday party guide that is out of this world!

Start with basic party decorations; streamers, balloons, tableware etc. Add more elaborate space or solar system themed decorations if you have the time and inclination. Your local educational store will be a great resource for planet cut-outs and posters...
- Black fabric hung from the walls and on the furniture will complete your outer space look. - Hang glow-in-the-dark stars, planets and white twinkling lights from the ceiling with fishing line. Make the planets with paper, craft foam or, for 3-D planets, cover styrofoam balls with fabric. Use stick pins to secure the fabric and fishing line.
- Hang re-writable CD's from the ceiling to create a fun effect. It's even
better when you attach glow-in-the-dark stars to the CD's
- Fill the ceiling with black helium balloons.
- The Internet will have pictures and information resources. Try the NASA kids website.
Having these items hanging from the balloon covered ceiling will create the illusion of being in space. Centerpieces
Cover 1-3 oatmeal boxes with aluminum foil. Fill with black and royal blue tissue paper and insert metallic star "sprays" from craft or party store.

A Special Astronaut Welcome
Upon arrival give the guests a fabric sash with the NASA emblem, rocket or star patch. You can make the sashes easily with felt and pinking shears. A simple straight seam or fabric glue will connect the ends. Use a fabric pen to write "Astronaut in Training" --
You can also make craft foam badges if sewing is not for you.

Enlist a talented teen to face paint a rocket on each guest as well.

Asteroid Belt -- Indoor Game
Before the party inflate several balloons. When it's time to play
have the children form a circle. Toss the balloons or "asteroids" in the air and the children have to keep the asteroids from hitting the Earth. More than likely, the children will not stay in the circle...that's just fine.

Saturn's Rings Toss
You'll need a hula hoop, bean bags, water balloons or balls.
Mark an "X" with tape on the ground or floor. Have two helpers hold the hula hoop a reasonable distance from the "X". The players take turns trying to toss the bean bag planets through the ring. Variation: Hang several hoops with varying heights from a clothes line or tree branch.

Galaxy Treasure Hunt
Use several balls with different shapes and colors to represent the planets and one large yellow ball for the sun. Write witty rhyme clues and attach them to each planet for example:
"This planet had rings, but not made of gold.
Explore near the driveway like an astronaut bold!" -- Saturn
Hide the planets and sun in different rooms or other challenging spots. The hunt should end with the Sun, where they'll find their goody bags.

Flying Comets
Before the party make one comet for each child. You'll need Nerf foam or tennis balls, colored tights or pantyhose and rubber

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